Amphibole forensics: using the composition of amphiboles to determine their source, the Libby, Montana, example

As part of a larger on-going research project, we found amphiboles in soils in Libby, Montana, that were derived from both the former vermiculite mine near Libby and other sources. SEM-EDS spectra of the soil amphiboles from these locations are used to ascertain if the amphiboles came from the vermiculite deposit near Libby, Montana, or some other source. This distinction is possible because amphiboles known to originate from the vermiculite deposit all contain Na and K that can be observed in the EDS spectra. We make this statement with confidence because multiple workers have performed EPMA characterization on over 40 amphiboles collected from the deposit and all are found to contain measureable amounts of Na and K. In this brief communication, we show examples from four locations that contain amphiboles consistent in composition and others that have inconsistent composition when compared to reference amphiboles collected from the vermiculite deposit. Also, we demonstrate the presence of amphiboles consistent in composition with amphiboles known to originate from the deposit in sediment that pre-date mining activity. A full-length publication is in preparation detailing the quantity, distribution, and composition of amphiboles in the Libby Valley, if they are consistent in composition with amphiboles known to originate from the deposit or not, and if they pre- or post-date mining operations. Keywords: Amphibole, amphibole asbestos, Libby, Montana, EPA, SEM-EDS